From passenger to partner

“Can you believe this? We spent only $16 in the grocery. Do you remember when $50 a week was pushing it?”

ML grinned at me, ” Yeah, look at us now. I used to get angry with you then.”

“I know,” I said thinking of those times in the early days when I was militant with that $50 budget.
“You would get so mad if we had to throw out half a pepper. I used to think you were losing it. It’s half a pepper!”

I felt a bit defensive but held my tongue and I’m so glad because he followed with, “Now I see how big a deal half a pepper is which is why we can now spend less than $50 on groceries.”

When I began this journey ML was grudgingly on board. It’s so good to hear that he saw the benefit. It’s also a reminder that we’re now a team. I can still be a bit militant when dealing with my budget. I was forced to recognize this after ML had shared that my budgeting sometimes stresses him out because of how upset I get if I overspend.

Part of my reaction has been because I’ve felt that the planning has been on me. I haven’t given ML credit he deserves. He’s gone from grudging passenger on this journey to an active participant.

This can be easy for me to miss this change as we practice frugality differently. I’m the person who finishes a ketchup bottle, I find a way to use those last dregs. ML is not that guy. I find it impossible to go to a Dollar store and spend less than $5. ML has been known to leave them empty handed.

This week we spent $30 at the grocery store, there was another stop after our conversation, and got extra things for the pantry.

Two important words along your journey; commitment and patience. The two of you have developed a mutual understanding that has added to this meaningful challenge for long term debt correction. The two of you should find great satisfaction knowing the light at the end of the tunnel is clearly visible.

Thank you!
I didn’t expect budgeting to unite us so it’s been an unexpected benefit.
This has been the longest stretch I’ve been committed to a project and I’m absolutely thrilled that it’s now become a lifestyle

Nutrition, exercise, proper water consumption and BUDGETING all share a commonality. If a person is willing to perform each of these events within REALISTIC boundaries and CONSISTENTLY STICK WITH IT for 90 days, it becomes an ACCEPTED NATURAL way of living. This doesn’t mean it’s always enjoyable; it means we accept the reality of the importance of the “event(s)” and are committed to “doing what it takes” to experience the health and life benefits we choose.